Craig Austin

Head of Talent and Development at Commercial Bank of Dubai

Speaker

Craig Austin is the Head of Talent & Development at the Commercial Bank of Dubai, recognised for his strategic acumen and innovative approaches in the Talent and Learning arena. With over 30 years of experience across the UK and Middle East, Craig has revolutionised talent and learning initiatives through digital transformation. He specialises in seamlessly integrating digital tools and methodologies into learning and development frameworks, significantly enhancing operational efficiencies and learning outcomes.

In 2017, Craig co-led the inaugural Government Accelerator program, further demonstrating his capability in spearheading major initiatives that bring transformative changes to both public and private sectors. His leadership in this initiative was recognised at the highest level and has been instrumental in setting benchmarks for how government entities can accelerate their performance to meet strategic goals rapidly.

A strategic partner to C-suite executives, Craig excels in embedding advanced learning and development (L&D) and talent management strategies into core business operations, aligning them with the strategic objectives and values of the organisation. His initiatives in digital transformation within the talent and learning space have propelled organisational capabilities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and cutting-edge practices.

Craig’s exceptional interpersonal and communication skills complement his deep expertise in stakeholder management, consultancy, and business partnering, making him a pivotal figure in transforming business landscapes. As a leader, he embodies a collaborative and coaching approach, driving his teams toward achieving exceptional business results through high-performance, multicultural team dynamics.